Bolga: Gov’t Urged To Focus More On Technical And Vocational Education

The Upper East Regional Director of Education, Patricia Ayikor says the theme chosen for this year’s Independence day celebration ‘Ghana beyond Aid’ can only be realized when the country’s educational system focuses more on equipping the citizenry with productive skills through Technical and Vocational Education as well as training. She moreover observed that when the private sector, which is considered as the engine of growth is encouraged to compliment the effort of government by setting up more technical and vocational centres for the learning needs of the youth, then Ghana is certain to becoming self-sufficient without turning to donors for support. Madam Ayikor made the observation at the 61st Independence Day anniversary held at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

The regional event held at St John’s Park was marked with the regular inspection of parade and march-past by participating schools. Contingents from the various security agencies including the Police, CEPS, Immigration, Ghana National Fire Service, and personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces were present to spice up the colourful event. The inspection of parade was done by the Upper East Regional Minister, Rockson Bukari, assisted by Madam Ayikor and Lt. Col Darkwah of the Airborne Force in Tamale. In a speech read on behalf of President Akufo Addo, the Regional Minister, Mr. Bukari emphasized government’s resolve to protecting the public purse and nib all corrupt practices in the bud. He said with the office of the special prosecutor in place, public officials should be wary of their actions since they would be held accountable for their stewardship. Mr. Bukari moreover assured the public that under the current administration, the Right to Information Act, which is one piece of the anti-corruption framework will be passed into law to reinforce government’s determination to fighting corruption. He however, called on Ghanaians to join in the business of the nation whilst supporting government to achieving this worthy cause.

There were solidarity messages from key personalities that centered on the theme for the celebration. In an interview with Radio Ghana, a retired educationist, Robert Ajeni justified why Ghana’s Independence was worth celebrating. He identified partisan politics as the bane to Ghana’s backwardness and said it was about time people stop placing political lenses to issues that are of great interest to the nation, bearing in mind that development can only strive when people put their shoulders to the wheel. Mr. Ajeni further challenged Ghanaians to prioritize education and learn to rally behind governments in power as this will help fast track the execution of their development agenda. This year’s Independence Day anniversary was characterized with series of activities such as Taekwondo and other spectacular display from selected schools.

The event was climaxed with a presentation of awards to deserving schools that performed creditably during the march-past.

The Governor from the Savannah Region of Togo, Esso Pineve was among the few dignitaries that graced today’s occasion.